Saint Florian and His Companions c. 17th century

Curator: This is Jacques Callot's "Saint Florian and His Companions." It's a small print, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Gosh, it's intense! The dynamism in such a tiny space—everyone is so busy being violent or victimized. It feels claustrophobic. Curator: Saint Florian, a Roman officer, became a martyr for his Christian faith. This print depicts the moment of his execution, surrounded by other martyrs, all enduring the ultimate test of faith. Editor: That oval frame almost feels like a spotlight, highlighting the drama but also isolating it, making it feel like a distant, historical echo. Curator: It's a reminder of cultural memory, how these images of sacrifice shaped beliefs and identities. Editor: True. And maybe a little unnerving to consider how violence can be so easily romanticized. I need a palate cleanser. Curator: Indeed, let's consider something less evocative, then.